French football star Kylian Mbappe has strongly refuted allegations published by a Swedish newspaper linking him to a rape investigation in Stockholm. The Real Madrid forward, who was recently in Sweden, took to social media to dismiss the report as “fake news,” claiming the timing was suspicious, given his ongoing legal dispute over unpaid wages with his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Mbappe’s statement came in response to a report by Aftonbladet, which claimed that an investigation had been launched following an accusation of rape. The incident was said to have occurred after Mbappe and his entourage visited Stockholm last week.
On X (formerly known as Twitter), Mbappe firmly denied the allegations, posting, “FAKE NEWS!!!! It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance.” His entourage also issued a statement, calling the claims a “slanderous rumour” and warning that legal action would be taken.
Allegations and Kylian Mbappe’s Legal Dispute with PSG
The Swedish newspaper’s report cited a complaint made to the police on October 10, 2024, alleging that a rape had occurred in Stockholm’s city center. According to Aftonbladet, the alleged victim sought medical attention, but the report did not specify who was named in the accusation. The publication also included photographs of police officers in front of the hotel where Mbappe and his group had stayed.
A Swedish prosecutor confirmed to AFP that a probe had been opened but refused to provide further details. Police spokeswoman Carina Skagerlind explained that sharing information during the early stages of an investigation could “delay and complicate” the process.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe’s team emphasized the false nature of the claims and the damaging impact they could have on the player’s reputation. “These accusations are completely false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable,” the statement from his entourage read. They added that legal measures would be pursued to combat the “moral harassment” and defamatory attacks against Kylian Mbappe.
The timing of the report has raised eyebrows, particularly as it coincides with a significant dispute between Mbappe and PSG. The 25-year-old claims he is owed €55 million ($60 million) in unpaid wages by the Qatari-owned French club, which he left to join Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 after seven years at PSG. A source close to PSG told AFP that the club would “ignore” Mbappe’s suggestion that the allegations were linked to his legal battle with his former employer.
As of now, Swedish authorities have not released further information, and Kylian Mbappe remains firm in his defense against the allegations.
